Some of the new rewards include 50 per cent off some advertising for businesses.

Over the last week, we have seen a huge ground swell of support throughout our community. Sasha Haddon, a very generous and talented film maker, helped us put together a video for our campaign (see below).

The ABC’s 7.30Report also spent the day with us at our offices, putting together a seven minute story into the history of the Star Observer, and the role we have played in helping people within the LGBTI community.

We talked a lot about the issues faced by our community, now and in the past. I pulled a copy of our first anniversary issue from 1980 out of our archives, and the cover story was the treatment of gay refugees in Australia, and political reaction in Canberra.

It really reminded me that while our community is safer than it was in 1979, when the Star Observer started, we still face major challenges and unfinished business. (This is perfectly illustrated in an in-depth feature story about gay asylum seekers in the current monthly edition of the Star Observer.)

Those challenges in 1979 seemed monumental, but they were overcome through courage, determination, and a willingness to work together.

Through it all, our small, dedicated team have focused on telling the stories of our community, and bringing you the best possible independent journalism.